During the summer, children spend more time outside participating in physical activities which can increase their risk of injury and developing certain illnesses.

Here are a few of the most common summer illnesses and injuries, and ways to prevent them:

1. Water-related injuries and drownings are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children. Serious injuries resulting from falls often occur around swimming pools or diving areas, and children can drown quickly in any body of water.  Accidents can be prevented by:

• Teaching children to ask permission before going into the water
• Teaching children how to swim
• Paying attention to children when they are in or around water
• Wearing life jackets
• Fencing off pools with fences made with self-latching devices
• Installing pool covers
• Adding a pool alarm
• Learning how to perform CPR and knowing first-aid

2. Fall-related injuries are among the most common in children and tend to happen more during the warmer months. However, the risk of falls, and sustaining injuries from these accidents can be reduced by:

• Removing fall hazards or supervising children near fall hazards
• Installing safety gates near staircases and keeping stairs clutter-free
• Wearing appropriate footwear that is slip-resistant and fits properly
• Using playgrounds that have soft surfaces under equipment
• Wearing helmets when using scooters, tricycles, or bicycles

3. Heat-related injuries can include several health complications such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. These illnesses can be life-threatening, but thankfully can be avoided by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
• Spending as much time possible indoors during very hot and humid days
• Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and responding appropriately

4. Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease or babesiosis peak during the warmer months when we are more likely to participate in activities in wooded or grassy areas. To prevent tick-borne illnesses, we can:

• Use repellants that contain 20 to 30% DEET
• Wear protective clothing, and tuck our pants into our socks
• Check the body for ticks and remove them as soon as they are discovered
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors

5. Enteroviruses can cause illnesses such as the summer flu, pink eye, and coxsackie. These illnesses are highly transmissible, and outbreaks peak in the summer. However, you can control the spread of enteroviruses by practicing hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces that children touch most often.

If your child is experiencing symptoms associated with these summer illnesses or has sustained injuries from an accident, it’s important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.